The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has forecast that three regions—Cotabato City in Maguindanao, Tuguegarao City in Cagayan, and Cavite City—will reach a heat index of 41°C on Thursday, April 24, signaling an intensification of the ongoing heatwave. This elevated heat index level is categorized as ‘dangerous,’ prompting officials to urge the public to take precautionary measures against heat-related illnesses.
Records from earlier this week show escalating temperatures across several areas; on April 23, four regions, including Cotabato City, experienced ‘danger’ level heat indices, with Cotabato reaching a peak index of 44ºC. This follows similarly high readings the day before, April 22, when Aparri and Cotabato City both logged heat indices of 42ºC, underscoring sustained extreme heat conditions in northern and southern Philippines.
Cotabato City has emerged as a consistent hotspot, with consecutive days of dangerous heat levels recorded and a forecasted record-high temperature slated for Saturday, April 25, according to Pagasa’s two-day outlook. Meanwhile, Sangley Point in Cavite City is also expected to face hazardous heat conditions over the weekend, raising health risk concerns in multiple urban centers.
The government’s weather bureau emphasizes the importance of public awareness to mitigate health impacts, as extreme heat increases risks for heat exhaustion, dehydration, and other heat-related conditions. Residents are advised to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and monitor advisory updates closely.
Looking ahead, the development of these extreme temperatures across key Philippine regions will require ongoing monitoring to guide emergency responses and public health interventions. Officials are preparing for potentially higher heat indices in the coming days as atmospheric conditions persist.
COTABATO CITY
Maguindanao
Aparri
Pagasa
Cagayan
Cavite City
